Latest news with #VectorInstitute
Hamilton Spectator
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario's AI ecosystem: fueling real economic growth with record number of jobs and private investments
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, the Vector Institute released its fourth annual Ontario AI Snapshot, produced in partnership with Deloitte Canada. The research indicates that the province's AI sector has grown significantly, cementing Ontario's position as a leading global AI hub. Buoyed by its remarkable concentration of AI talent, the sector is attracting major investments and creating well-paying AI jobs that directly support economic growth. The data specifically indicates that: 'Canada ranks first among G7 countries in AI talent growth due in large measure to Ontario's strong and growing concentration of AI experts. Vector's latest AI snapshot confirms this. The data also indicates that Ontario is becoming a powerful draw for AI companies and investment, providing a direct boost to our economy. To maintain this momentum, we need to ensure leadership in other key areas: we need to increase R&D investment and step up our rate of adoption. Today's reality is that no matter the size of your business – no matter the field you're in or the market you serve – there is a place and a use for AI. It is time to use our AI advantage to make competitive gains, close the productivity gap and attract and retain top talent,' said Glenda Crisp, President and CEO of the Vector Institute. 'It is acknowledged worldwide that Canada leads in AI talent growth. Materially improving our compute infrastructure, R&D investment, and most significantly, adoption of AI solutions to drive productivity, are critical to retaining top-tier talent and training future talent. Ontario, as an AI hub, is seeing growing VC investments and a surge in new companies. Now is the time to scale these companies and make them globally successful to continue our leadership in the global AI community,' said Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada. Covering the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, the latest Ontario AI Snapshot tracks 10 metrics, which include AI job creation, investment and commercialization. These metrics serve as benchmarks for measuring the collective progress of governments, businesses, and institutions in strengthening Ontario's AI ecosystem. Further data on the growth of the Ontario AI ecosystem is included in this year's version of the Snapshot. The research is based on a combination of business executive surveys (185 executive survey responses), and market insights from industrial and public databases. About Vector Institute The Vector Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence, excelling in machine learning and deep learning. Our vision is to drive excellence and leadership in Canada's knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. The Vector Institute is funded by the Government of Ontario, the Government of Canada through CIFAR Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and industry sponsors across Canada. For further information or media enquiries, please contact: media@
National Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
The AI skills gap is growing, but so are affordable paths to catch up
This article was created by StackCommerce. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page. Article content Article content As AI technology continues to weave itself into the core operations of nearly every sector, Canada is feeling the growing pressure of a national skills gap. A recent report from the Vector Institute revealed a 37% increase in demand for AI-related expertise across the country—a trend driven by rising adoption in fields like finance, healthcare and engineering. Unlike broader tech roles, which have faced contraction or stagnation in recent years, AI jobs are multiplying. The problem? In some cases, the workforce isn't prepared to fill them. Article content The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has accelerated the need for professionals who not only understand data science and machine learning but also know how to use modern language models for productivity and innovation. As more Canadian companies explore automation, algorithmic decision-making and natural language tools for business functions, the ability to work effectively with generative AI is quickly becoming a foundational skill, much like Excel or email once were. Article content While many courses and certifications in this space can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, there are more accessible options for learners looking to get started. One such opportunity is the 2025 Generative AI & ChatGPT Course Bundle, currently available for $28. Article content Independent AI learning Article content Designed for professionals and aspiring developers alike, the program offers more than 40 hours of instruction across five in-depth courses, covering a range of topics including Python programming, data analysis and real-world projects in generative AI. Article content Article content The value isn't just in learning how to prompt ChatGPT. It's in understanding how these tools connect with code, data pipelines and actual business outcomes. For those navigating a shifting job market, especially as traditional career paths become more automated, investing in AI literacy is more than a technical decision—it's a strategic one. Article content Article content
